This section provides an educational overview of assistive technology product categories to help visitors understand the range of tools available. It is organized separately from our news coverage above and does not affect, and is not affected by, our news reporting.
Selecting assistive technology depends on individual needs, abilities, environment, and goals, and what works well for one person may not work well for another. We encourage visitors to research thoroughly and consult with a qualified professional. Complex assistive technology needs in particular often benefit from an individualized, professional assessment rather than a general product recommendation.
For general education on assistive technology, see AssistiveTechnology.org's Assistive Technology 101 guide. For formal, independent evaluations of assistive technology needs, see AssistiveTechnologyEvaluations.org. For nonprofit programs and services, see AccessibilityClinic.org.
Affiliate and Advertising Disclosure (Products & Resources): This page may, over time, include affiliate links to third-party retailers. If a visitor makes a qualifying purchase through such a link, Accessibility Clinic may receive a commission at no additional cost to the visitor. Affiliate and advertising relationships do not determine which products, brands, or categories are described on this page and do not guarantee endorsement of any product, brand, or service. The information provided here is educational and general in nature; it is not an individualized recommendation, prescription, or substitute for a professional assessment. At this time, no affiliate links are active on this page and no advertising is configured on this site.
The categories below are organized to help visitors browse assistive technology by function. Resources within each category will be added over time following review, and are not yet populated.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools help people who have difficulty with speech communicate through symbols, text, or synthesized speech. Consider a person's current abilities, how communication needs may change over time, and whether a device supports the people they communicate with daily.
Computer access tools help people with limited mobility, dexterity, or vision use computers and mobile devices more independently, including adapted input methods and on-screen accommodations. Consider what a person can reliably and comfortably control, and how a solution will be used across their different devices.
Switches allow people with limited or inconsistent motor movement to activate devices, communication tools, or computer functions using a single reliable movement. Switch selection depends on the specific movement a person can perform consistently, and often benefits from hands-on trial.
Alternative keyboards and pointing devices modify the size, layout, sensitivity, or method of input to make typing and on-screen navigation more accessible. Fit, adjustability, and compatibility with existing software are all important considerations.
Tools in this category support people who are blind or have low vision, including magnification, screen reading, braille, and high-contrast display options. The right combination often depends on the type and degree of vision loss, as well as the tasks a person needs to perform.
Hearing access tools include amplification, captioning, visual and tactile alerting systems, and assistive listening devices that support people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Consider the listening environment, and whether a solution needs to work with existing hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Accessible gaming tools include adaptive controllers, switch-accessible setups, and software accessibility features that make video games playable for people with a range of physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities. Compatibility with specific games and consoles is an important factor to check before purchasing.
Home accessibility products support independent living, including environmental controls, accessible fixtures, and modifications that reduce barriers within the home. Many home accessibility decisions benefit from an in-home assessment by a qualified professional.
Educational accessibility tools support students with disabilities in the classroom and at home, including reading, writing, and organizational supports. Because school-based needs often involve an IEP or 504 plan, coordination with a student's educational team is recommended.
Daily living aids help with everyday tasks such as dressing, eating, bathing, and household management for people with physical or cognitive disabilities. An occupational therapist can often help identify which daily living aids best match a person's specific routines and environment.
Mounting and positioning equipment secures communication devices, tablets, and other assistive technology in a stable, accessible position relative to a person's wheelchair, bed, or workspace. Proper fit typically requires an individualized assessment, since positioning needs vary by body type, equipment, and daily activities.
Mobile accessibility tools include built-in and third-party features that make smartphones and tablets easier to see, hear, understand, and operate. Many devices include free built-in accessibility settings worth exploring before considering additional purchases.
This category includes accessible books, curricula, and instructional materials in formats such as audio, braille, and digital text. Format needs vary by reading ability, learning style, and available assistive technology, so it is worth confirming compatibility with a person's existing tools.